How to Keep Rust from Attacking Your Classic Car

Hate Rust? Here’s How to Keep Your Classic Car from Rusting

If you’re a classic car lover then this article should help you…

Unlike many of the new cars in production currently, some of which have the bodies and metal parts dipped a zinc-coating or anti-corrosion primers… One of the best car manufacturers out there for protecting the bodies is Porsche. They were way ahead of the curve.

Unfortunately the classic and muscle cars, when they were built back in the day by the Big 3, they used very little sealer and virtually no paint on the undersides.

Below is how to keep your envy-inspiring dream machine from, slowly but surely, turning into a rust bucket:

First of all, if you are just building and restoring a car, then you are going to be able to take different steps than someone who already owns a complete car.

These steps are if you are building a car and what to do as you are building it to prevent it from rusting away due to moisture.

Below you will see my weapons in the war against rust when I restore a classic or muscle car:

PPG DP90 Epoxy

PPG makes an awesome product that has been out for a long time. When we do media blasting on the frames and the underside of the bodies, DP90 is a nice Epoxy Primer that comes in black which is awesome for the chassis and steel bodies. This would be my first line of defense. Of course then at that point, it will be refinished in whatever color we are shooting the chassis and undersides.

Debeer Primer

The Debeer Primer is the best I've seen in 34 years. We started using this primer about 10 years ago. What turned me onto it was that it was a very heavy, high-build primer that came in black, white, and buff. Most high-end automotive finish paint companies don't offer high-solids urethane black primer (which is absolutely necessary if you plan on having your high-end job laser straight after body work).

3M Bare Metal Seam Sealer & 3M Heavy Bodied Seam Sealer

The 3M bare metal seam sealer is, believe it or not, on the 64-70 Ford Mustangs and the 67-69 Camaros, the factory did horrible with sealing the cars. This let water come in from the inside and from underneath. We use the 3M bare metal seam sealer in certain areas and then we use the heavy bodied seam sealer where were are filling big voids.

RusFre (brand) Clear Inner Panel Undercoating

This is really good stuff to shoot inside:

Inner panels

Doors

Inside Quarter Panels

Inner Front Fenders

Inside Wheel Wells

Inside Rocker Panels

Even Inside Frame Rails

This is basically like the old war days when they used to shoot the cosmoline on the military Jeeps so that they wouldn't rust on the transport ships overseas.

Pay Careful Attention to Underside and Wheel Areas.

Due to the accumulation of mud, sand, road salt, and everything else on the road - rust is likely to target your classic car’s underside and wheel areas. Pay special attention to these spots.

Also, be careful when using a high-pressure washer, as these can remove the protective under seal.

We suggest rinsing out your cars when you get them dirty and make sure to keep dirt out of the wheel wells. You can even use a blow-gun to blow-dry the car when you're done to remove the water from behind the stainless moldings and whatnot.

I'm sure everyone has heard of the Mother's Spray mist where if the cars not dirty just give it a little mist and wipe it down. This keeps your car dry.

The smartest and best way you can keep your classic car looking and running beautifully for years to come is by befriending with a classic car restoration specialist in Florida.

You’ll get the expert advice you need to keep rust and other threats at bay.

And just as importantly, you can be assured that you’ll be supported by a team that cares as much about classic cars as you do.

If you’ve landed yourself a car that needs a tetanus shot – check out our new replacement steel bodies and chassis. Sometimes getting a new body is the best way to go.

If you've landed yourself a rot box Click Here to Learn More About Steel Body Replacements for your Classic and Muscle car restoration.

Check Out Some Extra Ideas About the 1936 Ford in Our Classic Car Shop Florida...

Auto Collision Frame Alignment

Welcome My Friends Today’s Post is about Auto Collision Frame Alignment Equipment and to show you a few examples of What we go through to Repair your Vehicles back to there original specifications whether it be a brand new Mercedes Benz with uni body construction or a Full size Truck with a Full Frame

Keep in mind the same Procedures our shop uses when Rebuilding Classic cars and replacing METAL panels to insure your Classic car is welded , fitted properly along with close attention to door and quarter panel gaps while we re construct to original condition.

Chief EZ -Liner Uni body Frame specs Print out

It all starts out with a Print out from the Data base of the original build measurements of the vehicle unless its a older classic car and measurements are not available what we do then is set up a blank sheet and run measurements of the existing vehicle confirm that its square

center line is on thats is a center line that Runs thru the middle of the car the next step would be to check datum height that is up and down specifications along with checking wheel base and all steering points after all the lower measurements are complete the final step is to check all outer body sheetlmetal .

above picture is of a Chief measuring system this system measures as many points as you set up and continuously measures throughout the repair process this is very helpful to see the repair and watch other crucial points to see the damage being removed as the corrective Pulls are made .

Above is a Car -o-liner Mark 5 rack one of my favorite tools of the trade very cool simply because its a piece of precision steel with a machined true surface to jig the cars and access to all suspension is easy along with this Frame Machine went from 0 – to 6ft so weather you were working on the roof or the underside it was readily available .

This is a shot of a late model Nissan torn down for an estimate with the insurance company over the years

My shop has completed over 15,000 collision Wrecks we have 3 frame machines and also owned a fleet of tow trucks .

On the newer cars we often find that the engine cradle its a square box that bolts into the lower frame rails to support the engine and suspension many times we have to R7I the engine with cradle and install I new one . Due to miss alignment during impact.

I hope Today’s Post is about Auto Collision Frame Alignment gave you a better Picture of what it takes to put your car back to Pre- loss condition and gives you a sense of relief that when you use our Collision services you are in good hands

Beginning Your Classic Car Restoration

Where Do You Start with Your Classic Car restoration?

It’s very important for anyone looking into a classic car restoration this is a good example of what they’re getting into – to know that the exact cost of restoration cannot be set firmly in the beginning, that it’s going to cost for quality work (like what we do here at PalmBeachCustoms), and that you, the customer, really just has to love classic cars.

Recently, a potential customer came to me about a classic car he would like to restore: a 1965 442 Oldsmobile. I was impressed with the level of detail he gave me along with the questions he asked. Below is the conversation we had about what condition the vehicle was in and what else I would need from him in order to give him an estimate of cost and worth.

This is a great example of the mindset and level of commitment anyone looking to restore their classic car should have.

Have a Conversation About Your Classic Car Restoration

Chris wrote:

“I have a 1965 Oldsmobile 442. I have been looking to get myself a classic, muscle car for years now. However, rather than purchase something turnkey ready, I would prefer to have something old that needs restoration so I can really appreciate the vehicle and the work going into it. I am taking the liberty of attaching some pictures of the 442 and hoping you could provide me an approximate estimate of what it might cost to get the vehicle completely restored. Moreover, perhaps, you could give me your honest opinion whether the vehicle is even worth restoring. If not the 442, than perhaps, I may have a 66 Mustang you could help me with.

Respectfully,

Chris”

PalmBeachCustoms Reply:

“Christopher ,
First off I want to say hello ,

My Name Is John Russo The owner of Palm Beach Customs

I would need some better pictures of the underside of 1965 Oldsmobile 442 to get a better understanding of the quality of the floor pans also the history on the motor if its matching numbers and any other in-tell you can provide me. As you might know the car done correctly would be worth $45,000-$60,000. Here are a few examples on Hemming s check out this link below

Also you have to consider If you like the car and what it might be worth 10 years from now just like an investment if you buy a bunch of Apple stock its worth a set number and where will it be in 10 years. The 442s are a good investment everyone likes them and they are fewer examples available then many of the other collector cars so they will hold their own on the value side.I would think this would be a good car to restore it will hold value and most likely appreciate. Also to consider is are parts available for the restoration rubbers, chrome and interior they make just about everything for these cars.

I have done many restorations and it’s amazing to see some of these cars double in value in 4- 6 years
But bottom line do you like the car because even if you were upside down upon a few grand upon completion if you enjoy the car then the numbers will come together at the end of the day .. as far as pricing send me some more info and then we can chat on the phone and get a number on your project . Also, where are you located , and what is the history on the car ?

Chris’s Reply:

John: Unfortunately, the vehicle is in Georgia and I am a wounded Marine and am not getting around like I previously had. Nevertheless, when an extended family member of mine told me she would sell her to me for a grand or two depending on my financial status. I had asked her all those questions but my Uncle had passed and she doesn't know anything about the car. However, I had her take a magnet around the vehicle to check for bondo and there was none. She also informed me there wasn't any major rust except on the front hood. Unfortunately, the major question is whether the numbers all match and there is no way for me to find out. I tried to explain where she could look but she claims she is too old to go digging around. Now my uncle planned on restoring the vehicle for his grandson but that doesn't mean the numbers match. Moreover, one brother had 3 65 Oldsmobile 442 and each of the three brothers took one of the colors. My uncle got the red one. Before he passed 5 years ago, the vehicle was supposedly running but now it's not. At first, I was informed she needed a new motor but when I asked what happened in those 5 years to make the motor go bad, she told me it may just be the battery. I was hoping one of the engine photos could give you some indication whether the vehicle looks like a real 442 or do you believe its a clone. Therefore, I was hoping to hear your professional opinion about whether you believe I should have a flatbed go pick it up. Sure is one expensive way to find out if the No. match. On another note, I am a Marine and would only have 2-3 thousand a month to do the job, I wouldn't have everything up front. Now that I have laid my cards on the table, what do you recommend?

PalmBeachCustoms’ Reply:

“I appreciate the honesty - what i see on the car is most likely a very good start - inside the trunk wheel tubs look good trunk jambs look good - seems to be a dry car - saw the hood - no biggie - the fire wall looks like it was original blue metalic -- took like its all there -- the distributer is electronic - some one switched it -- every resto needs new wiring - chrome - and interior-- and its all there -- classic industries website they have most all you would need .

I would get the car !-- go on u ship and have someone bid to pick it up see if you could get it for 1000-2000k --
the car is worth the money -- if you get lucky - and the motor matches you have a home run if you dont you can build it as a resto - mod or original your choice if you saved up 6 k- 10k and start

phase 1-you could do a tear down get the body and frame phase going ( then refine your list )
phase 2 - color in jambs - get all the wiring replaced and all rubbers
phase 3 - suspension - drive train- motor
phase 4 - final paint fit finish and chrome

Even if you did 2 phases a year - in 2 years you would have a nicely done project take action - live your dream - as long as you are committed to finish then you win and if it gets here something is way out of wack - (doesn't look that way) you can sell

cant loose - many people would die to get that car for 1-2k
hope that helps”

Chris’s Reply:

You are the man!!! Not many people would do another fellow a favor and break everything down like that... unless something was in it for them. I was reading your email with my brother and we couldn't get over the fact you broke everything down so easy for a couple knuckleheads like us so kindly.

Honestly, I was hoping I would hear something positive like your review and just get her but really since I don't have really much knowledge about muscle cars, I was hoping to get a business with someone honest like you have already proved to be and just have the first 3 phases knocked out immediately…... Basically, in essence, I should have a little change for my dream.

Would you be interested? How much do you think it will cost me total to do it right? Thanks kindly!

PalmBeachCustoms’ Reply:

“Chris I would be happy to restore your 442

Its difficult to price with out seeing because maybe its rust free - or maybe it needs a few floor pans so the only way I can price it is get the car in - and do a real estimate -If that didn't work then Ill help you sell it - It looks very solid so -I dont believe that's the case. Once I see it I can make you a list something like this is a ball park of 450 man hours plus parts and materials. it’s easy to go over 50 hours and under estimate prices for items. Having said that, most suppliers are willing to offer discounts when you purchase complete sets like rubber - interior - ect

its very important to get quotes in when doing the final estimate - It will take a entire day to get close --and you will have a pretty solid idea on exact pricing for items needed when its time to order (it makes it easier)

As you can see, even considering starting a restoration project for your classic car requires a lot of thought, time, and research. But, if you really want to follow through, the only thing that is stopping you from finishing your classic car is yourself. Here at Palm Beach Customs, we’re willing to work with our customers based on their budgets to help them achieve what they want.

Like this post on classic car restoration? Make sure to share, like, and comment!

Auto Paint In Cape Coral and Fort Myers

If you are looking for a shop that does Auto Paint in Cape Coral and Fort Myers

we welcome you to take a look at what we do behind the walls of Palm beach customs .

You will Find some of the Finest Auto Painting In the USA has been completed By John Russo and the team .

whether its a brand new collision Job on a late Model Foreign or Domestic car Or a Classic car

we strive for the very best for our clients .

Below you will see our Paint Mixing room that mix all the paints by precise measurements to assure for a the Perfect color match .

Most colors have 5-10 different mixing tints and pearls that are combined to make your cars color correct .

Trust Us With Your Auto Paint Needs

Normally the new cars require a primer sealer on the new sheet metal parts then a few coats of base color and 2-3 coats of high grade urethane clear coat to match the OEM finish . When we refinish the classic cars It can be a very different procedure with body work and multi coats of primer and blocking the primer to straighten the sheet metal .

Once the sheet metal is ready for paint Then the base coats are applied usually 4-5 coats of base and 3 coats of clearThen the car is sanded with 500 grit wet sand paper and 600 grit then an additional 3-4 coats of flow clear is applied ( look below )

I challenge you to ask yourself a question if you are spending the money ( or investing ) on Auto Paint in Cape Coral and Fort Myers

Give us a call or stop buy we have cars and trucks that we have Repaired and Restored all over the country .

Automotive Paints are very expensive and when you are looking to Refinish your car or truck you want to make sure the shop you chose will preform the proper prep procedures before spraying your car.

Please share and comment if you liked this post about Auto Paint In Cape Coral and Fort Myers

About Us

You might know us as your go to steel body and aftermarket dealers or your custom and classic car restoration pros but we have quite the history that got us to where we are today.
John Russo, the owner, actually came from a chicken farming family and went to school for carpentry in Rhode Island. But his real passion – at that time a hobby – was the hot rods. He got his first 57 Chevy in high school and

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The best custom restoration specialists in the industry, hands down. If you want showroom quality work done by honest professionals, Palm Beach Customs is the only choice for your prized classic vehicles.